Nissan Maxima (2023)
300-hp V6 power, upscale comfort, and standout style, with CVT compromises.
The 2023 Nissan Maxima is a stylish last-of-its-kind sedan for drivers who want effortless highway power and a more polished alternative to ordinary family transportation. Its 300-hp naturally aspirated V6, quiet cabin, comfortable leather seats, and distinctive design support Nissan’s near-luxury pitch, while reviewers especially enjoy the SR’s composed ride and sharper attitude. But the “four-door sports car” claim overreaches: the CVT can feel disconnected, front-wheel drive limits enthusiasm, and rear space trails cheaper rivals. At roughly $38,000 to $45,000 new, it offers genuine comfort and character, though fuel costs, dated technology, and reported CVT repairs complicate the value. Its overall appeal rests on balancing V6 enjoyment and upscale comfort against practicality and ownership risk.
Find Yours
What is your primary use for a gas-powered sedan or compact?
Answer to find your best matches.
The Field
Browse top contenders, or compare all options ranked by score and key attributes.
5 Options
The Scoreboard
Does this improve your life? Considers, health, habits, and environmental impact.
Benefits
A calm cabin and supportive front seats make commuting and long drives easier.
The smooth V6 makes merging, passing, and highway driving feel effortless.
Leather, quietness, navigation, and strong audio make ordinary errands feel noticeably more comfortable.
Standard driver aids quietly help with blind spots, reversing, and sudden traffic hazards.
Distinctive looks help you feel like you chose something more special than routine transportation.
Trade-Offs
Acceleration can sound busy without feeling natural, making merges less satisfying and harder to judge.
Taller passengers may rub knees or lose headroom, making family rides less comfortable.
Wired phone connection and dated screens add cable clutter and extra steps during everyday driving.
Compared with efficient four-cylinder sedans, ordinary commutes require more frequent trips to the pump.
Alternatives
Join the Circle
Where real meets deal
Know what's worth buying-and when.
Tips, special offers, and rewards for buying and sharing.
Publications
2 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
MotorTrend gives the 2023 Nissan Maxima a measured thumbs-up, admiring its speed and upscale feel while questioning its value. Its 300-hp V6 makes the Maxima satisfyingly quick, and the sharp handling and especially rich Platinum cabin help it feel more premium than a Nissan typically might. Safety equipment is excellent, with top crash-test marks and a generous suite of standard driver aids. Still, the Maxima occupies an awkward middle ground: it costs nearly $40,000, yet offers less rear legroom and cargo space than cheaper alternatives such as the Altima, Accord, and Camry. Its heavy steering, front-wheel-drive layout, CVT, mediocre fuel economy, and only mildly sporty character further weaken the “four-door sports car” pitch. MotorTrend’s preferred Platinum trim is attractive and comfortable, but the overall package feels hard to justify unless luxury appointments matter more than practicality or efficiency.
By Willis Kuelthau
Kelley Blue Book views the 2023 Nissan Maxima as a polished, genuinely enjoyable sedan with sensible compromises. Its energetic 300-horsepower V6, composed ride, quiet cabin, comfortable front seats, and above-average materials give it an appealing near-luxury character without making it intimidating to drive. The front-wheel-drive layout sacrifices some sportiness, but it remains easy to manage, and the SR adds sharper styling and paddle shifters for extra engagement. The main frustrations are the CVT’s lack of natural responsiveness, steering that could provide more feedback, and rear-seat and trunk space that trail the smaller Altima. Its technology is functional rather than cutting-edge, while premium fuel raises running costs. Overall, KBB presents the Maxima as a distinctive, well-rounded choice for buyers who value V6 performance and comfort, even if its impending discontinuation and limited practicality make it less compelling than some rivals.
By Colin Ryan
YouTube
10 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
TheTopherTheTopher is moderately positive about the 2023 Nissan Maxima, but its sporty promise leaves him unconvinced. He enjoys the naturally aspirated 300-hp V6, attractive styling, comfortable cabin, strong Bose audio, useful space, and surprisingly agile SR chassis. The heated-and-cooled seat controls, physical controls, adaptive cruise, and standard spare tire also add character. Still, inconsistent hydroelectric steering, wet-weather understeer, modest tire grip, dated infotainment, stiff ride, and especially the CVT undermine the experience. He views it as a pleasant daily sedan with genuine strengths, yet believes Nissan should have given this final-year Maxima a proper automatic transmission and sharper enthusiast focus.
Raiti's RidesJoe Raiti is warmly impressed by the 2023 Nissan Maxima, though he stops short of calling it a true sports sedan. He praises its distinctive styling, upscale Platinum cabin, comfortable heated and ventilated seats, roomy rear quarters, useful trunk, and smooth 300-hp naturally aspirated V6. However, the CVT feels disconnected, steering feedback is vague, and front-wheel drive makes it less nimble and engaging than the Genesis G70 or Kia Stinger GT. His larger takeaway is wistful: with a rear-wheel-drive platform and better transmission, the Maxima could have been a standout. As it stands, it’s a comfortable, unique, compelling final-year sedan rather than the four-door sports car Nissan claims.
TheTopherTheTopher is moderately positive about the 2023 Nissan Maxima, but its sporty promise leaves him unconvinced. He enjoys the naturally aspirated 300-hp V6, attractive styling, comfortable cabin, strong Bose audio, useful space, and surprisingly agile SR chassis. The heated-and-cooled seat controls, physical controls, adaptive cruise, and standard spare tire also add character. Still, inconsistent hydroelectric steering, wet-weather understeer, modest tire grip, dated infotainment, stiff ride, and especially the CVT undermine the experience. He views it as a pleasant daily sedan with genuine strengths, yet believes Nissan should have given this final-year Maxima a proper automatic transmission and sharper enthusiast focus.
Raiti's RidesJoe Raiti is warmly impressed by the 2023 Nissan Maxima, though he stops short of calling it a true sports sedan. He praises its distinctive styling, upscale Platinum cabin, comfortable heated and ventilated seats, roomy rear quarters, useful trunk, and smooth 300-hp naturally aspirated V6. However, the CVT feels disconnected, steering feedback is vague, and front-wheel drive makes it less nimble and engaging than the Genesis G70 or Kia Stinger GT. His larger takeaway is wistful: with a rear-wheel-drive platform and better transmission, the Maxima could have been a standout. As it stands, it’s a comfortable, unique, compelling final-year sedan rather than the four-door sports car Nissan claims.
TheTopherTheTopher is moderately positive about the 2023 Nissan Maxima, but its sporty promise leaves him unconvinced. He enjoys the naturally aspirated 300-hp V6, attractive styling, comfortable cabin, strong Bose audio, useful space, and surprisingly agile SR chassis. The heated-and-cooled seat controls, physical controls, adaptive cruise, and standard spare tire also add character. Still, inconsistent hydroelectric steering, wet-weather understeer, modest tire grip, dated infotainment, stiff ride, and especially the CVT undermine the experience. He views it as a pleasant daily sedan with genuine strengths, yet believes Nissan should have given this final-year Maxima a proper automatic transmission and sharper enthusiast focus.
Raiti's RidesJoe Raiti is warmly impressed by the 2023 Nissan Maxima, though he stops short of calling it a true sports sedan. He praises its distinctive styling, upscale Platinum cabin, comfortable heated and ventilated seats, roomy rear quarters, useful trunk, and smooth 300-hp naturally aspirated V6. However, the CVT feels disconnected, steering feedback is vague, and front-wheel drive makes it less nimble and engaging than the Genesis G70 or Kia Stinger GT. His larger takeaway is wistful: with a rear-wheel-drive platform and better transmission, the Maxima could have been a standout. As it stands, it’s a comfortable, unique, compelling final-year sedan rather than the four-door sports car Nissan claims.
TheTopherTheTopher is moderately positive about the 2023 Nissan Maxima, but its sporty promise leaves him unconvinced. He enjoys the naturally aspirated 300-hp V6, attractive styling, comfortable cabin, strong Bose audio, useful space, and surprisingly agile SR chassis. The heated-and-cooled seat controls, physical controls, adaptive cruise, and standard spare tire also add character. Still, inconsistent hydroelectric steering, wet-weather understeer, modest tire grip, dated infotainment, stiff ride, and especially the CVT undermine the experience. He views it as a pleasant daily sedan with genuine strengths, yet believes Nissan should have given this final-year Maxima a proper automatic transmission and sharper enthusiast focus.
Raiti's RidesJoe Raiti is warmly impressed by the 2023 Nissan Maxima, though he stops short of calling it a true sports sedan. He praises its distinctive styling, upscale Platinum cabin, comfortable heated and ventilated seats, roomy rear quarters, useful trunk, and smooth 300-hp naturally aspirated V6. However, the CVT feels disconnected, steering feedback is vague, and front-wheel drive makes it less nimble and engaging than the Genesis G70 or Kia Stinger GT. His larger takeaway is wistful: with a rear-wheel-drive platform and better transmission, the Maxima could have been a standout. As it stands, it’s a comfortable, unique, compelling final-year sedan rather than the four-door sports car Nissan claims.
TheTopherTheTopher is moderately positive about the 2023 Nissan Maxima, but its sporty promise leaves him unconvinced. He enjoys the naturally aspirated 300-hp V6, attractive styling, comfortable cabin, strong Bose audio, useful space, and surprisingly agile SR chassis. The heated-and-cooled seat controls, physical controls, adaptive cruise, and standard spare tire also add character. Still, inconsistent hydroelectric steering, wet-weather understeer, modest tire grip, dated infotainment, stiff ride, and especially the CVT undermine the experience. He views it as a pleasant daily sedan with genuine strengths, yet believes Nissan should have given this final-year Maxima a proper automatic transmission and sharper enthusiast focus.
Raiti's RidesJoe Raiti is warmly impressed by the 2023 Nissan Maxima, though he stops short of calling it a true sports sedan. He praises its distinctive styling, upscale Platinum cabin, comfortable heated and ventilated seats, roomy rear quarters, useful trunk, and smooth 300-hp naturally aspirated V6. However, the CVT feels disconnected, steering feedback is vague, and front-wheel drive makes it less nimble and engaging than the Genesis G70 or Kia Stinger GT. His larger takeaway is wistful: with a rear-wheel-drive platform and better transmission, the Maxima could have been a standout. As it stands, it’s a comfortable, unique, compelling final-year sedan rather than the four-door sports car Nissan claims.
Social
1 INFLUENCER REVIEW
ElegantJerkElegantJerk is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Nissan Maxima, calling it a vehicle worth buying again. They relay that one Maxima saved its owner’s life in a head-on collision, reinforcing a strong impression of safety and durability. The main caveat is availability rather than performance: Nissan planned to discontinue the Maxima in June 2023, making that model year the final opportunity to purchase a new one. Overall, the tone is warm and strongly recommendatory, though the safety claim is anecdotal rather than supported by testing details.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors generally like the 2023 Nissan Maxima, but many remain wary of its CVT reliability. It earns praise for its strong, smooth V6, comfortable ride, quiet cabin, sharp styling, upscale interior, and confident highway handling. Owners often report dependable service when CVT fluid is changed regularly, though multiple failures around 80,000–100,000 miles—and occasional repair bills near $6,000—keep reliability opinions divided. The discontinued model also raises depreciation concerns, especially at prices approaching Lexus or Acura territory. Enthusiasts upgrading from older Maximas love the newer SR’s appearance and feel, while shoppers are more likely to skip it because of the transmission risk and lack of a conventional automatic.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Strong V6 accelerationSmooth 300-hp power aids passing.
- •Composed road mannersSport-tuned suspension balances comfort and control.
- •Upscale front cabinLeather seating and quietness feel near-luxury.
- •Distinctive sedan stylingSwoopy design stands apart from rivals.
Considerations
- •CVT ownership riskFeel varies, with reported costly failures.
- •Limited sportinessFront-wheel drive and vague steering reduce engagement.
- •Restricted rear spaceTaller passengers may find seating cramped.
- •Higher fuel costsV6 efficiency trails four-cylinder and hybrid rivals.
Nissan’s final Maxima is a polished alternative to ordinary family sedans, pairing 300-hp V6 power with a more upscale, sport-minded personality. It is designed for commuters and highway travelers who want effortless passing, a quiet cabin, and distinctive styling without stepping fully into luxury-car pricing. Compared with an Altima, Accord, or Camry, it feels richer and quicker, though its front-wheel-drive layout and Xtronic CVT make the sporty promise more complicated. The following sections examine how its sport-tuned suspension, front-seat comfort, and cabin materials translate to daily driving, along with whether the rear seat and trunk deliver enough practicality. Fuel use and long-term transmission concerns also deserve close attention, especially for budget-conscious buyers. In short, the Maxima offers muscle and polish in an increasingly rare sedan package—now let’s see where that charm earns its keep.
CVT Driving Feel
The Xtronic transmission is the Maxima’s most persistent dynamic compromise. It keeps the V6 in a useful power band and can feel responsive with paddle shifters and Sport mode, yet acceleration often produces engine noise without the satisfying rhythm of fixed gears. Some reviewers find this CVT unusually agreeable, while others call it disconnected or emotionless. More importantly, owners report that regular CVT-fluid changes can support dependable service, but failures around 80,000–100,000 miles and repairs near $6,000 remain serious ownership concerns.
Fuel Economy Costs
Fuel economy is acceptable for a powerful V6 sedan, not especially competitive for daily efficiency. The Maxima is rated around 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, or 24 mpg combined, and its 18-gallon fuel tank helps preserve reasonable highway range. In practice, four-cylinder, hybrid, and some turbocharged rivals will usually require fewer fuel stops and cost less to run. Premium fuel further raises expenses, so the V6’s effortless performance is best viewed as a deliberate comfort and enjoyment trade-off.
Ride And Handling
The Maxima feels composed and more substantial than a typical family sedan. Its sport-tuned suspension, especially in the SR, can handle rough pavement better than its sporty styling suggests, while the quiet ride suits long trips. Reviewers also note strong braking and surprisingly capable grip, but the car is not a true sports sedan. Front-wheel drive and some body roll reduce cornering confidence, and steering feedback ranges from heavy or vague to pleasantly hydraulic depending on trim and driving conditions.
V6 Acceleration
The Maxima’s naturally aspirated V6 makes everyday merging feel unusually effortless. Its 300-hp 3.5-liter V6 delivers strong, smooth acceleration without waiting for a turbo to build boost, and listed testing puts 0–60 mph at about 5.8 seconds. Passing power is a genuine strength, especially on highways, and reviewers consistently praise the engine’s refinement and growl. The limitation is that the front-wheel-drive layout can struggle to fully exploit that output, particularly in poor weather.
Cabin Comfort Quality
The Maxima’s cabin is one of its strongest reasons to consider it over an Altima or Camry. Supportive leather front seats, available heating and ventilation, and a quiet interior create a convincingly near-luxury atmosphere. Platinum trim adds quilted leather and richer finishing, while the 11-speaker Bose system receives particularly favorable feedback. The standard 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and smartphone integration are useful, but the interface feels dated and Apple CarPlay is wired, so the cabin’s upscale materials outshine its technology.
Rear Space And Trunk
The Maxima works for four adults, but it is less practical than its exterior size suggests. Its 14.3-cubic-foot trunk is useful for normal luggage and errands, yet cheaper sedans such as the Altima, Accord, and Camry can offer more cargo or rear-seat room. Rear legroom is listed at 34.2 inches, and taller passengers may find headroom and knee space restrictive. That makes the Maxima comfortable as a front-seat-focused commuter, but a weaker choice for frequent family trips.
Conclusion
The final Maxima makes a strong case for keeping sedans around: its 300-hp V6 delivers effortless passing power, while the composed ride, capable SR handling, and quiet, leather-lined front cabin make commuting feel unusually polished. Reviewers agree it is comfortable and quick, though not a true sports sedan; front-wheel drive and the CVT limit steering involvement, and owners’ reports of costly transmission failures make maintenance history important. Practicality is adequate rather than exceptional, with a useful trunk but a tighter rear seat than several cheaper rivals. Fuel economy is acceptable for a V6, yet four-cylinder and hybrid alternatives are easier on the wallet. This is a smart fit for drivers who value distinctive styling, highway performance, and near-luxury comfort more than maximum efficiency or space. Its strong character is balanced by real ownership compromises, supporting a favorable—but not unquestioning—recommendation.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Engine Power
5/5
Acceleration
4/5
Reliability & Durability
3/5
Handling & Ride Comfort
4/5
Braking Performance
4/5
Value
Purchase Price Competitiveness
3/5
Cost of Ownership
3/5
Resale Value
3/5
Feature Value
4/5
Design
Exterior Styling
5/5
Interior Ergonomics
4/5
Cargo Space
3/5
Infotainment Quality
4/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
3/5
Material Toxicity
TBD
Safety
Crashworthiness
5/5
Active Safety Systems
5/5
Visibility & Lighting
4/5
Child Occupant Protection
4/5
Sustainability
Fuel Efficiency
3/5
Tailpipe Emissions
3/5
Recyclability
TBD
Manufacturing Footprint
TBD
Experience Style
Driver Engagement
4/5
Customization Options
4/5
Ease of Use
4/5
Ownership Convenience
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
7 Questions
Find Yours
What is your primary use for a gas-powered sedan or compact?
Answer to find your best matches.
